Satire and Allegory in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels: Part 2

Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels is a masterclass in the use of satire and allegory. In Part 2, Swift delves into the nuanced critique of European society, politics, and human nature through the fantastical realm of Brobdingnag. This essay explores the satirical and allegorical elements Swift employs, examining how he uses these literary techniques to comment on contemporary issues.

Political Critique: The Giant Inhabitants of Brobdingnag

The giant inhabitants of Brobdingnag serve as a satirical critique of European politics. Upon learning about the political systems of Europe, the King of Brobdingnag is horrified by the corruption, greed, and moral failures of European leaders. This satirical view highlights the absurdity and brutality of European governance during Swift's time.

Exemplification of Satire

Swift uses the contrast between the moral integrity of the Brobdingnagians and the corrupt European leaders to highlight the shortcomings of European society. The King's disgust with the tales of European politics underscores Swift's broader critique of the political landscape, emphasizing the significance of moral and ethical governance.

Human Nature and the Concept of Size

Gulliver's observations of the Brobdingnagians reveal the flaws in human nature. Despite their physical size and strength, the giants possess a greater moral integrity than the Europeans. This satirical portrayal challenges the notion that physical superiority equates to moral superiority, prompting readers to reflect on the true values of society.

Reflection on Human Nature

The exaggerated size of the Brobdingnagians serves to satirize human vanity and the importance placed on appearances. Gulliver, once a giant in Lilliput, now feels small and insignificant, questioning the societal values that prioritize status and power over moral integrity.

Allegory: The Enlightenment Society

The Brobdingnagian society can be seen as an allegory for an idealized Enlightenment society that values reason, morality, and the common good. The King's rejection of Gulliver's descriptions of European culture symbolizes a critique of the Enlightenment's failure to achieve its own ideals in practice.

Representation of the Enlightenment

Through the allegory of Brobdingnag, Swift underscores the complexity and often contradictory nature of human societies. The King's society represents a simplified, idealistic model of governance, while Gulliver's depiction of Europe highlights the flaws and contradictions present in actual political systems.

Critique of European Colonialism

Gulliver's interactions with the Brobdingnagians can be interpreted as an allegory for European colonial attitudes towards other cultures. The Brobdingnagians, who are physically superior but morally superior as well, challenge Gulliver's assumptions of European superiority, paralleling critiques of colonialism and imperialism.

Colonial Attitudes and Satire

The satirical commentary on European colonialism in Part 2 serves as a critique of the way Europeans viewed and treated other cultures during the Age of Enlightenment. The Brobdingnagians, with their superior moral character, challenge the Eurocentric view of human worth and superiority.

The Human Condition: A Mirror of Society

The differences in perspective between Gulliver and the Brobdingnagians serve as an allegory for the human condition. Gulliver’s experiences reflect the absurdity and complexity of human society, while the giants’ straightforward and honest nature represents a more genuine way of living. This dual perspective prompts readers to reflect on their own lives and the societal values that shape their perceptions.

Reflection on the Human Condition

Through the lens of satire and allegory, Swift provides insights into the human condition, encouraging readers to question their assumptions and biases. The contrast between the two societies in Brobdingnag and Lilliput prompts readers to consider the complexities of human nature and the values that guide social interactions.

By using satire and allegory, Swift creates a powerful critique of his contemporary society, exploring themes of politics, human nature, and the human condition with profound and lasting impact.